Frequently Asked Questions

NATC stands for the North American Taiko Conference, the longest regularly held taiko gathering outside of Japan, and the largest taiko gathering in North America. There's more information about it here: About NATC.

When is NATC?

This summer! August 9-11, 2019.

Where is NATC 2019?

NATC 2019 is being held on the campus of Portland State University (PSU). PSU is located in the heart of Portland and walking distance from some of Portland's many coffee shops, bookstores, food carts, and eateries. Located in the spectacular Pacific Northwest, Portland is the largest city in Oregon and easily accessible from all parts of North America via Portland International Airport (PDX).

Who will be there?

People from all over the taiko community will be in attendance. Taiko players. Taiko instructors. Taiko pioneers. Taiko community leaders. We be hosting taiko community members not only from North America but also from Europe and Japan.

Who should attend?

If you are a taiko player who is interested in furthering your artistic development and/or networking with fellow taiko players and professionals from around the world, then NATC is the place to be.

For first-timers: Bring your bachi and be open to learning and meeting new faces. We are a welcoming community no matter your level of taiko experience. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet and study with some of our community’s most revered taiko artists as they gather in one place (Portland!) at the same time. It happens only once every two years!

For veterans: While our new schedule may make NATC seem shorter, there are not any less activities than years prior. We have listened to feedback and have condensed our schedule to make travel in and out of Portland easier! Our Friday schedule will kick-off with an Opening Reception that will be combined with the Taiko Ten showcase. Saturday and Sunday will be our workshop days. Because we are in a college setting, shifting to a weekend schedule will be less disruptive of campus operations. Registering as a Participant at NATC will get you four workshops and one free session during which you can attend one of our spirited roundtables, peruse the Marketplace (remember, no sales tax in Portland!), or grab a cup of coffee and catch up with taiko friends, old and new.

Why should I attend NATC?

NATC is the longest running, largest taiko gathering of taiko players outside of Japan. And NATC 2019 marks a special time. It's the first conference where the community will be together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of taiko in North America! The halls will be filled with taiko enthusiasts, taiko energy, and taiko opportunities. NATC makes it easy to learn more about taiko, to hone your taiko skills, and to engage and network with players who represent dozens of diverse taiko groups.

NATC hosts the Taiko Marketplace -- the finest taiko pop-up store in North America! You can touch, play, and purchase goods and instruments to fill your taiko needs.

And when you are ready to see taiko, the Taiko Jam concerts will feature a selection of pioneering taiko groups that you will not want to miss!

Why should I register now?

If you intend to register as a Conference Participant and are looking to be placed in workshops, then you are encouraged to register sooner rather than later as space is limited. Once we sell out, we sell out! Registered participants will get access to 4 workshops across the NATC weekend. If you want to register as an Observer, you will still want to register sooner rather than later as space for Observers is also limited. Once our facilities capacity is reached, we are required to close Conference Registration.

Who is a minor?

A minor is someone who is 17-years-old or younger for the duration of the conference. A participant who is 18 years old on or after August 9, 2019 is considered an adult.

Are registration fees refundable?

Yes. Partial refunds for registration fees are available. Refunds of conference registration fees will be given at the following percentages if cancellation requests are sent to concierge@taikocommunityalliance.org by the dates indicated:

75% refund if request is received by March 31, 2019 at 11:59pm PST.

50% refund if request is received by April 30, 2019 at 11:59pm PST.

No refunds will be given after April 30, 2019.

Please note that other purchases that you might make when you register are not refundable. Housing Packages, T-Shirts, and Taiko Jam Tickets are final sale and do not qualify for the above refund policy. T-Shirts that are a part of cancelled registrations can be mailed to you after August 11, 2019.

Why can't I register for workshops now?

For NATC 2019 we are separating Conference Registration from Workshop Selection. Workshop Selection will open on April 1. The time lag gives Conference Participants the chance to do their research and decide what workshops they would like to sign up for. Workshop assignments will be made after June 30 by a Workshop Algorithm designed to treat registrants within each of the three registration time periods (Members Only, Early Bird, and Regular) fairly. While you wait for Workshop Selection to open on April 1, we encourage you to read the biographies of the Workshop Instructors and the descriptions for the Workshops to decide which workshops interest you the most.

How are workshop placements made?

If you are registered as a Conference Participant by the end of the Early Bird registration period (March 30), then on April 1 you will receive an email with a link to a personalized Workshop Selection form. If you register after the Early Bird period, you will receive a link to your Workshop Selection form shortly after we receive your Conference Registration form.

The Workshop Selection form will collect information from you that is required for us to place you in workshops. For each of the five sessions, you will be required to rank 5 workshops that you would like to take during that session. For each of those workshops, you will also be asked to rate your level of interest in each workshop as Highly Interested, Moderately Interested, Somewhat Interested.

Then, on June 30 - or sooner, if the conference sells out - all workshop selections for all Conference Participants will be input to our Workshop Algorithm. The Workshop Algorithm will optimize workshop placements across all Conference Participants. We plan to email your workshop placements on or shortly after July 15.

Can I volunteer at NATC?

Yes! NATC would not be possible without the hard work of a huge team of volunteers.

We are currently putting together our list of volunteer tasks and responsibilities. Look for more information to be announced around late May/early June 2019.

Sponsored and presented by the Taiko Community AllianceNATC is made possible in part by the generous support of the California Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts